03/05/2018March 5, 2018
The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) has awarded managed care contracts to seven integrated managed care organizations (MCO’s) that will coordinate the provision of physical and behavioral health care services to 1.5 million Medicaid members. Called AHCCCS Complete Care, the contracts begin on Oct. 1, 2018 and are awarded in the following geographic service areas (GSAs):

The chart below illustrates the changes to incumbent contractors within the GSAs.

“This award is an important step for AHCCCS in our multi-year strategy to reduce fragmentation in the healthcare delivery system by driving towards integrated care models. Integration streamlines health care delivery by focusing on the whole person and improving outcomes for the members we serve” said Tom Betlach, AHCCCCS director.

Integrated health care delivery benefits members by aligning all physical and behavioral health services under a single plan. With one plan, one provider network and one payer, health care providers are better able to coordinate care and members can more easily navigate the system, both of which ultimately improve health outcomes. AHCCCS members in every Arizona County will have a choice of health plans.

On the Oct. 1 contract effective date, AHCCCS will transition approximately 300,000 members to a new MCO in their geographic service area. From learned experience managing previous health care plan transitions, AHCCCS has proven processes in place to ensure continuity of care for members. These members will be notified of their health plan assignment in June and can make changes to their assignment during the month of July.

AHCCCS members who are not impacted by this new contract include:

Members determined to have Serious Mental Illness.

Members enrolled in the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) program.

Members enrolled in the DES Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) ALTCS program.

The majority of members served by the Comprehensive Medical and Dental Program through the Department of Child Safety.